Otti immortalises Prof Nnenna Oti, names Umuahia bus terminal after her

By Steve Oko

UMUAHIA — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has immortalised the Returning Officer in the 2023 governorship election in the state, Professor Nnenna Oti, by naming the newly constructed multimodal bus terminal in Umuahia after her.

The facility, inaugurated on Wednesday and christened “Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal,” was named in recognition of the role played by the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO, during the 2023 governorship election.

Governor Otti commended Prof. Oti for what he described as courage and integrity in resisting pressure to compromise the outcome of the election.

According to him, her actions became a defining moment in the democratic history of Abia State.

“By standing firmly by the truth and refusing to treat her role as an invitation to a sudden banquet, she reminded us that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary results by simply saying no — no to manipulation, injustice and conspiracy,” Otti said.

The governor stated that the honour was not only for Prof. Oti but also for Nigerians who resisted electoral manipulation and defended the people’s mandate during the 2023 elections.

He noted that the academic represented the resilience and courage of honest electoral officials, security personnel, party agents and citizens who stood against intimidation.

Speaking on the project, Otti said his administration was focused on building a modern and integrated transportation system, adding that the state had gone beyond routine road construction.

“The days of playing small are over. We shall no longer confine ourselves to the margins, nor think less of our ability, for we belong to the lineage of dreamers, thinkers and builders,” he said.

The governor explained that the terminal was designed to accommodate more than 340 buses simultaneously and built in line with modern safety, accessibility and environmental standards.

He added that the facility had been integrated with recently completed road junctions, bus shelters and electric bus operations across the state.

According to him, about 20 electric buses are already operational on intra-city and inter-city routes, while additional buses are expected in the coming weeks.

Otti further disclosed that the terminal has independent power and water systems to ensure uninterrupted services.

He warned against vandalism, indiscriminate waste disposal and theft around the facility, while urging residents to support government initiatives through prompt payment of taxes.

Responding, Prof. Nnenna Oti said she merely acted in line with her conscience during the election.

“I simply did what I have done all my life — to do the right thing. The mandate of the people must stand,” she said.

She thanked the governor for the honour and pledged to continue standing for justice and fairness regardless of whose interest might be affected.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Chimezie Ukegbu, described the project as a major milestone in the state’s transport reform agenda aimed at restoring order, safety and efficiency in urban transportation.

The event also featured a minute’s silence in honour of the late former Commissioner for Transport, Comrade Sonny Onwuma, whom the governor described as a dedicated public servant whose contributions to the transport sector would remain memorable.

The inauguration attracted top government officials, lawmakers and members of the public.

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